NFL Rumors: Anthony Richardson to Seahawks? Seattle eyeing big trade up in 2023 NFL Draft
Anthony Richardson has made some of the biggest leaps for a quarterback prospect in recent memory. The University of Florida star could hear his name called early in next month's NFL Draft as one team could move up to select him.
There are rumors that the Seahawks will trade up from the fifth overall pick to number three to draft either Richardson or Will Levis.
C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young are projected to be the first two players selected by the Panthers and Texans, respectively. The Cardinals, who currently hold the third pick, can drop to the fifth spot and still grab the top defensive player in this draft. The Colts are likely to go quarterback with the fourth pick.
It's important to note that quarterbacks have never gone with the first four picks in the history of the NFL draft. It will be just the second time ever that three Black quarterbacks have been drafted in the first round of an NFL draft.
Should the Seattle Seahawks trade up to get Anthony Richardson third overall, we could see even more history. It would mark the first-ever occurrence of three black quarterbacks taken in the top five of an NFL Draft.
Seattle re-signed Geno Smith to a three-year, $75 million contract extension this offseason, but the Gators quarterback could be hard to pass up for general manager John Schneider.
Schneider on Anthony Richardson: "Really impressive."
The Seahawks general manager was in attendance at the Gators star's pro day, telling Seattle Sports 710 that was impressed with what he saw from the signal-caller.
Schneider said:
“He was really impressive. Great athlete, great young man. He has a ton of physical talent, no question about it. ... He did a great job. He had fun, he was loose and he had a good time with his teammates.”
Per a report from ESPN, the quarterback prospect enjoyed his visit with the team during the NFL Combine earlier this month.
Richardson said:
"(Carroll) had this big smile on his face. We shook hands, and something about it was just different. You only see these guys on TV. And now I'm in their presence and they're right there talking to me. And they're interested in me. That makes you feel good."
The Seahawks might have to move into the top three to get a shot at Richardson as his stock has risen. Smith is 32 years old and will be 35 at the end of his contract. Richardson could be the future of the Seahawks franchise within the next couple of seasons.
With the draft weeks away, we'll see if the Seahawks can make a move for the talented signal-caller.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit Sports Illustrated and H/T Sportskeeda.